RPG (Report Program Generator) is a high-level programming language originally developed by IBM in 1960. Its primary purpose was to simplify the generation of reports from data files, which made it a valuable tool in business applications. Unlike many other programming languages that were designed for general-purpose use, RPG was specifically tailored to handle the input/output operations required in business applications, such as processing transactions, generating reports, and managing large databases.
The language started as a tool for IBM's punch card machines but evolved over the decades to become a fully-fledged high-level language used primarily in IBM's AS/400 and System i platforms (now IBM i). As IBM's midrange computers evolved, so did RPG, with new versions and updates including modern programming structures, object-oriented features, and interoperability with more contemporary systems.
A key characteristic of RPG is its focus on ease of use in managing files and generating reports. Programmers could define input and output files declaratively, letting the system handle much of the logic behind the scenes. This was particularly helpful for businesses that needed to run regular, structured reports with minimal development overhead.
In recent years, RPG has been modernized and is now referred to as RPG IV (also known as ILE RPG), with added features that align it more closely with modern programming languages. These updates have enabled RPG to remain relevant, particularly in organizations that rely on IBM’s hardware and infrastructure.
RPG is still widely used in industries like finance, manufacturing, and logistics, especially in environments that rely on IBM systems. The language has a reputation for stability and efficiency, which is why many companies continue to use it decades after its inception. Despite newer languages offering more flexibility, RPG remains a trusted tool for applications that require reliability and speed in handling business data.
A simple example of RPG code might look like this:
H DFTACTGRP(*NO) BNDDIR('QC2LE')
Fcustomer IF E K DISK
D message S 50A
C 'Customer' CAT 'Report' :0 message
C DSPLY message
C SETON LRIn this code, a file named customer is declared, and a simple message concatenates the words "Customer" and "Report" to display on the screen. This shows the basic format of handling input and output files and performing simple operations.
RPG continues to be a go-to language for many IBM-centric business applications and is preferred for its simplicity in managing data and running business reports efficiently. The community around RPG has also ensured its longevity, and businesses that have invested heavily in IBM systems continue to rely on RPG for mission-critical applications.